Traumatic brain injuries are a serious public health issue throughout the United States. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that almost 2 million in the United States suffer some form brain injury each year. The seriousness of these injuries may range from relatively mild to quite severe.
In fact, some brain injuries may even cause death – traumatic brain injury was the cause death for approximately 50,000 people in 2010.
Signs and Symptoms of TBI’s
Traumatic brain injury may affect some or several of different the brain’s motor and cognitive functions. The severity of the trauma causing the injury will influence the number of affected functions as well as the extent of the damage.
A victim will display symptoms whenever he or she is suffering from traumatic brain injury, and it is important to be able to identify the common signs and symptoms associated with a TBI. Properly identifying symptoms of traumatic brain injury may make a difference in the way victims are affected and ultimately recover. Failing to identify potential traumatic brain injury may result in serious, lasting complications.
Some examples of symptoms associated with traumatic brain injury include:
- Loss of consciousness if even for a moment
- Memory lapses
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, confusion, or fogginess
- Loss of balance
- Persistent headaches or headaches that worsen
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
- Feeling depressed or anxious
- Sensory problems such as blurred vision
- Seizures or convulsions
- Slurred speech
- Dilation of the victim’s pupils
- Weakness or a loss of sensation in the victim’s fingers or toes
- Unusual behavior
As the list above shows, traumatic brain injury may affect a variety of different functions. A victim may experience deficits regarding one or several combined functions as a result. Therefore, it is imperative to seek appropriate and timely medical attention when there is a reason to believe that a brain injury may exist.
What Can Cause Brain Injuries?
A number of things may lead to a brain injury. Brain injuries are most often associated with a significant blow to the victim’s head. This may be the result of a car accident, a fall, a cycling accident, or a sports injury. In fact, the CDC found that most cases of traumatic brain injury are the result of a fall. Unintentional blunt trauma and motor vehicle crashes are the second and third leading causes of trauma, respectively.
Importantly, victims can still sustain TBIs even in the absence of physical contact. For example, whiplash can cause the head to jerk back and forth with such force as to result in the brain hitting against the inside of the skull. In some cases, this type of event can cause a TBI and other serious complications. TBIs are common result of many different types of accidents, including the following:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
Importantly, TBI victims may be entitled to recover damages from the individual who caused their injury. It is recommended for victims of traumatic brain injury to retain an experienced attorney in order to have the best chance to receive compensation.
Don’t hesitate to contact us online or call GJEL directly at 1-855-508-9565.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a traumatic brain injury and acquired brain injury?
- Are brain injury victims eligible for social security payments?
- TBI Settlement Questions
- What are the typical TBI medical expenses?
- What are signs and symptoms of head injuries in adults?
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